The little egret, a small white bird, primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Once a rare visitor, these elegant birds have now become a resident species.

A Little About Little Egrets

Originally visitors from the Mediterranean, little egrets have established sustainable breeding populations along our coasts and estuaries, thanks to warming climates. These elegant birds are more commonly found in the south of England and Wales, but their range is steadily expanding further north.

Highly social by nature, little egrets are often seen flying in flocks, though individual birds can become territorial when it comes to their feeding sites. In the 19th century, their long, delicate plumes were so highly prized—once valued even more than gold—that it led to a dramatic decline in their population.

Little Egrets and Our Waterways

The little egret, a striking white heron, is a relatively recent arrival in the UK, having colonised from continental Europe in the late 1990s. While still an uncommon sight on our canals and waterways, climate change is driving their gradual movement further north each year.

With canals, rivers, and reservoirs offering ideal habitats and feeding grounds, little egrets are increasingly making these environments their home.

How to Identify a Little Egret

The little egret is a graceful, slender bird with striking features. It has a black bill, long white plumes on its head during the breeding season, and vivid yellow feet at the end of it's long, black legs. Standing around 60cm tall, its elegant white plumage and distinctive plumes make it easy to spot.

You might see a little egret perched on a log over water, wading through shallow pools with its black legs and yellow feet, or standing among riverbank wildflowers with its elegant, pristine feathers.

What Do Little Egrets Eat?

Little egrets are opportunistic feeders, eating almost anything they can catch. Their diet includes fish, insects, amphibians, small mammals, and even other birds, such as ducklings. Whether on land or in shallow water, they use a variety of hunting techniques: shuffling their feet to disturb fish, running to chase prey, or standing motionless to ambush their target.

How Do Little Egrets Breed?

During the breeding season, little egrets develop two long, thin head plumes, measuring about 15cm. These plumes were once highly coveted, contributing to their population decline in the past.

Little egrets nest in colonies, often alongside other water bird species. Their nests are simple platforms made of sticks, built high in trees. A typical clutch contains three to five blue-green eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about three weeks. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for six weeks before fledging.

Where Do Little Egrets Live?

Little egrets thrive in a range of wetland habitats, including lake shores, reservoirs, rivers, canals, ponds, and even flooded fields. They prefer open areas where they can forage easily.

In the UK, little egrets are most commonly found along the southern coast, where they are both breeding residents and winter visitors. However, sightings have become more frequent further north and east as their range expands.

Things you should know about LITTLE EGRETS!

Video by A Shot Of Wildlife